Court Cases

Colorado Christian University (CCU) challenges a Colorado program that provides tuition assistance to college students but exempts students who are attending an education institution classified as “pervasively sectarian.” CCU did not challenge its classification as “pervasively sectarian.” Instead, it argues that Colorado’s statute violates CCU’s right to the free exercise of religion and its right to equal protection of the laws.

This case involves the unconstitutional arrest and imprisonment of a student and CopWatch volunteer, Evan Herzoff, who was guilty of nothing more than asking for a police officer’s business card.

This lawsuit asserts that Colorado Springs violated the First Amendment when it denied a request from six peace and justice activists that they be permitted to hold signs on the public sidewalk across from the Broadmoor Hotel for one hour during the NATO conference that was held on October 8-9, 2003.

When a Jewish law student taking the Colorado bar exam discovered that the first day of the test was scheduled on Tisha B’av, a traditional day of observance and fasting, she asked the Board of Bar Examiners for an alternate test date. The Board first denied her request, then later stated that they would simply “entertain” her request at the next board meeting. This left the student without a practical resolution, as that meeting would take place just months before the exam. That's when she decided to contact the ACLU of Colorado.

After a letter from the ACLU of Colorado, a disclaimer was added to a Mesa County Library display informing viewers that the government did not endorse the message of the display which contained religious symbols, quotes from religious text, and other religious statements.